What To Do In Osaka When It Rains: The Perfect Indoor Activities Guide

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is large, beautiful, and relaxing. The centerpiece is the huge circular tank which houses a variety of marine life, from schools of fish to whale sharks. This aquarium also has a number of interactive exhibits, you can get up close to penguins, and even pet sting rays and small sharks.

For dinner or lunch, we recommend nearby Tempozan Marketplace: Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho. Don’t miss out on this indoor foodie paradise with 20 stalls selling a number of Osaka classics.

Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

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Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10

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Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho

4.0

68 Reviews

Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10 Tempozan Marketplace 2F

0665765501

11:00-20:00 (subject to chan…

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Konjaku-So Tempozan Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area-

3-10-11 Chikko, Minato-ku, 2F/3F/4F Osaka

Expo City Osaka is an expansive retail and entertainment hub featuring "Interactive Aquazoo", NIFREL with eight exhibition spaces divided into different themes as in a museum. From the Japanese expression ni fureru, which means "to touch something”, this new facility NIFREL is a new facility to appreciate animals produced by the aquarium Kaiyukan in Osaka City.

Ring Tailed Lemur at NIFREL

NIFREL

Osaka Suitashi Senribampakukouen 2-1 Within EXPOCITY

0570022060

[Weekday]10:00-18:00(Latest …

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－SEGA VR Area Abeno

Located in SEGAs Osaka Game Center, which has a number of the newest games, you’ll find SEGA VR Area Abeno. The VR attraction is called Zombie Survival. You need to liberate a city under attack by the walking dead with a team of up to six people. This VR experience is unique because you can walk around with relative freedom in a large immersive world. This attraction is for those 13+.

－Ebisu Tower

In the heart of busy Dotonbori, you’ll spot Japanese super-store Don Quijote, known affectionately to locals as Donki.
Here in Ebisu Tower you can ride the in-store Kanransha, or Ferris Wheel, with a VR twist. With the aid of VR technology, you can switch between day and night views of the city and even feel like you are floating above Osaka. Hope you’re not afraid of heights!

Ebisu Tower

Ebisu Tower

セガ あべのキューズモール店

大阪府大阪市阿倍野区阿倍野筋1-6-1 あべのキューズモール3F

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Dotonbori Ferris Wheel Ebisu Tower

Osaka Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Soemoncho 7-13

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Osaka Bay Tower: Solaniwa Onsen

－EDION Namba Head Store

The EDION Namba Head Store is a new branch of a popular Japanese chain that specializes mainly in electronics. They do also sell a large variety of Japanese goods, including snacks and Sake at fair prices.

The main draw of this location, however, is definitely the Ramen floor. Different regions of Japan have different styles of Ramen such as Shio (salt-based), Shoyu (soy-sauce based) and Tonkotsu (pork-based), and here you have the rare chance to try them all in one place. If you’re feeling confused about where to go next in Namba it happens to feature a tourist information center on the first floor.

－LINKS Umeda

Also new in 2019 is the largest commercial complex in this region, LINKS Umeda. Conveniently located near the north exit of Osaka Station, you can easily hop off the train and spend your time browsing among 200 stores. This includes big Japanese groups such as Uniqlo and also Kansai and Osaka based shops. The basement of this goliath houses Oishiimono(delicious) Yokocho, a collection of stylish bars and restaurants.
If you’ve literally shopped till you dropped, no worries, Osaka’s largest hotel, the Hotel Hankyu Respire, is also in this complex if you need accommodations.

Osaka Bay Tower: Solaniwa Onsen

－Osaka Bay Tower: Solaniwa Onsen

Last but not least is a brand new Onsen theme park in the Osaka Bay Tower: Solaniwa Onsen. Throw on a beautiful Yukata and Obi inspired by the historical Azuchi Momoyama era and hit the baths.

The hot springs themselves are gender segregated but enjoy walking the Japanese-style sky garden as a group or sit down and chat while using the foot baths, then check out the Sake counter on the 2f and relax with a drink. Please note, as a general rule people with tattoos are not allowed into Japanese Onsen, however if your tattoo is small and can be covered up you are welcome to join.

Osaka Bay Tower: Solaniwa Onsen

Edion Toyonaka Sakurazuka

Osaka Toyonaka-shi Minami-sakurazuka 1-4-1

0668575572

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空庭温泉 OSAKA BAY TOWER(オオサカ ベイ タワー)

4.0

3 Reviews

大阪府大阪市港区弁天1-2-3

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Solaniwa Onsen Ticket in Osaka

¥2,310

Update date：2024/04/24

Links Umeda

Osaka Osaka-shi Kita-ku Ofukacho 1-1

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Cupnoodles Museum

Cupnoodles Museum

－Cupnoodles Museum

For a fun indoor activity join the Cupnoodles Museum for fans of these delicious instant noodles. Make your own original Cupnoodles! You can design the cup, choose the soup base, and pick from 12 different toppings. There are a few cute and colorful exhibitions around the museum as well that feature things like packages from around the world. Don’t forget to head to the tasting room for a rare chance to try limited edition Cupnoodles.

－Takopa: Takoyaki Park

If the weathers not quite right for Universal Studios Japan head to the nearby indoor Takopa: Takoyaki Park. This spectacular food court boasts five of Osaka’s most popular Takoyaki vendors under one roof so you don’t have to travel to different areas to try them all. Each restaurant has their own special twist on this Osaka classic, which one is your favorite? Kougaryu’s special mayonnaise, or maybe Juhachiban’s unique Takoyaki batter?

Takopa: Takoyaki Park

Takoyaki

－Dotonbori Konamon Museum

If you’re not full yet head to our next pick. The word Konamon in the Dotonbori Konamon Museum refers to flour-based Japanese cuisine such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. You can enjoy Takoyaki in a gourmet atmosphere in the basement floor bistro where it’s paired with champagne or wine. Then watch the experts at work on the first floor and see how this cuisine is made. Finally, make Takoyaki wax samples on the third floor. It will no doubt make a very cute souvenir.

CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

4.5

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Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25

0727523484

9:30-16:30(Latest entry15:30…

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TAKOPA (TAKOYAKI PARK)

Osaka Osakashi Konohana-ku Shimaya 6-2-61 Universal/City Walk Osaka 4F

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Dotonbori Konamon-Museum

4.0

50 Reviews

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Doutombori 1-6-12

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Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

You’ll have to travel to Yamazaki, about 30 minutes from Osaka by train, if you want to experience the birthplace of Japanese whisky at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery .
The reason for this journey is the high-quality mineral water that is available only here and is a key part of creating this extraordinary whisky. Take a tour through the distillery and learn about the process and then taste rare and exclusive whiskies.

Yamazaki Whisky Museum

4.5

492 Reviews

Osaka Mishimagunshimamotochou Yamazaki 5-2-1

0759621423

10:00-16:45(Last entry16:30)

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Namba Grand Kagetsu

If you’re interested in Vaudeville-type comedy, with plenty of gags, costumes, and silly scenarios, you need to check out Namba Grand Kagetsu. Presented by Yoshimoto Kogyo, one of the most influential companies in Japan, this particular theater has been entertaining Osaka since the late 80s. Join in with the locals, and don’t be afraid to laugh out loud. Some things may be lost in translation, but ultimately this kind of humor is universal.

Namba Grand Kagetsu

4.5

578 Reviews

Osaka Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Nanbasennichimae 11-6

0666410888

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Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market

－Tenjinbashisuji Street

The longest shopping street in Japan, Tenjinbashisuji Street , takes about 40 minutes to walk and will keep you safe from the rain. With over 600 stores you can buy everything from household goods, quaint Japanese teapots, and even Kimono.

This street is historical and was especially successful during the Edo era. You can find its recreation in the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

－Kuromon Market

Another must-see is Osaka’s kitchen, Kuromon Market. Join the city’s housewives and chefs as they prepare for the week ahead in this paradise of fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables, and local specialties. Enjoy the busy and bustling vibe of this market and eat your fill of its most delicious food.

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・A Tasty Detour to the Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Market

－ Expocity

If you’re looking for one place with enough activities to fill your day, and then some, we recommend Japan’s largest complex, Expocity. For entertainment hop on the gigantic REDHORSE Osaka Wheel, or head to ANIPO, an animal-themed amusement zone for some family fun.

If your kids like Shaun the Sheep check out Entertainment Field, where they can hang with Shaun and his friends. Last but not least Japanese super-mall Lalaport is available for all of your shopping needs.

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi

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The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

4.0

838 Reviews

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 6-4-20 Housing Information Center Building 8F

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The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Ticket

¥600

Update date：2024/04/24

EXPOCITY

4.0

501 Reviews

Osaka Suitashi Senribampakukouen 2-1

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Facility/Depends on facility

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Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

－Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Head back in time and visit Edo-period Osaka at The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. You can join in on the fun as you stroll the authentically reconstructed street by renting Kimono and taking great pictures.

Besides the street this museum has many models so that you can track Osaka’s progress from a historical town to a modern city, it’s fun, cultural, educational, and family-friendly!

－National Museum of Art, Osaka

The National Museum of Art, Osaka originally served as the museum at Osaka’s Expo’70. Their collections include paintings (with a number of Nihonga - Japanese style paintings), sculptures, crafts, and even industrial design works such as furniture. They also have special exhibitions featuring art from all over the world. Ancient and contemporary, this is a museum for any art-lover.

The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido series

－Osaka Ukiyoe Museum

If you’re interested in bold colors and interesting compositions, check out the Osaka Ukiyoe Museum .

The word Ukiyoe translates to “pictures of the floating world” and depicts the hedonistic lifestyle of late 17th century Japan. At this museum you can see works by a master, Hiroshige. The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido series depicts traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto back in the day. Before you leave, seize the day and buy some of your favorite Ukiyoe prints!

After your visit check out nearby Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street. It’s the best-known shopping area in Osaka.

－Osaka Science Museum

The Osaka Science Museum is a great interactive facility devoted to space and energy. It also boasts a large and newly renovated planetarium which is sure to be a hit with kids and adults.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

4.0

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Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 6-4-20 Housing Information Center Building 8F

0662421170

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The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Ticket

¥600

Update date：2024/04/24

The National Museum of Art, Osaka

3.5

201 Reviews

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-55

0664474680

10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:3…

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

3-4-15 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku Osaka

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Osaka Ukiyoe Painting Art Museum

3.5

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Osaka Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Shinsaibashisuji 2-2-23 Fujiya Shinsaibashi Building 3F

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Osaka Science Museum

4.0

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Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-1

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

3-4-15 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku Osaka

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Misono Building

Misono Building

－Misono Building

If you’re feeling bored with the touristy-sights head to Osaka’s underground, starting with the Misono Building. During the day it resembles a dilapidated warehouse, but don’t be scared off, this five-story building comes alive at night with dazzling neon signs.

This one place features a hotel, banquet hall, event and live music space, and the main event – a bar floor with each Nomiya boasting its own individual décor and unique vibe.

At the banquet hall you can enjoy Japanese and Chinese cuisines, as well as Yakiniku. There are also Nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) and Tabehodai (all-you-can-eat) options for those looking for the most bang for their buck.

Uranamba

Uranamba

－Torame Yokocho,Uranamba

Finally, don’t miss out on Torame Yokocho, a type of food court featuring 9 small restaurants. The concept is that no matter where you sit you can order from any of the restaurants from the giant mega-menu. With so many options, such as Okonomiyaki, Sushi, and Kushikatsu, even picky eaters are sure to be pleased.

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大阪府大阪市中央区千日前2-3-9 味園ビル

06-6643-1398

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Ura-Namba Torame Yokocho

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Sennichimae 2-3-15

0666364510

[Monday-Friday]17:00-24:00(L…

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